What is PyCon?

PyCon is the largest annual gathering for the community using and developing the open-source Python programming language. It is produced and underwritten by the Python Software Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing and promoting Python. Through PyCon, the PSF advances its mission of growing the international community of Python programmers.

Because PyCon is backed by the non-profit PSF, we keep registration costs much lower than comparable technology conferences so that PyCon remains accessible to the widest group possible. The PSF also pays for the ongoing development of the software that runs PyCon and makes it available under a liberal open source license (currently available at the PyCon github project).

PyCon is a diverse conference dedicated to providing an enjoyable experience to everyone. Help us do this by following our code of conduct.

PyCon is really four events in a row:

Tutorial Days: Wednesday March 13 & Thursday March 14, 2013.

Learn something new and relevant in intensive 3-hour sessions. The evenings are free for socializing and Open Space.
Conference Days: Friday March 15 through Sunday March 17, 2013.

See what's going on in the Python world, meet your fellow Pythonistas, share your knowledge and experience, make contacts, brainstorm projects, discuss prospects... the sky's the limit.
- Scheduled talks will happen in the ballrooms.
  
  6 tracks of talks and panels on a wide variety of topics will be presented, with something for everyone. Also we'll have keynote talks every day.
- Open Space sessions.
  
  PyCon features an unconference in parallel of the scheduled talks with dedicated rooms for attendees to schedule informal presentations or discussions. These rooms are open space to let you customize your experience at PyCon to match your specific interests. These are available for the duration of the conference days.
- Lightning talks
  
  Quick, fun, five-minute talks on almost any topic. Want to give a lightning talk at PyCon? Just sign up at the conference. The fast-paced volleys of lightning talks are fired in the main ballroom in front of a large audience, making them a very effective way to reach out to the community.
- Poster Session
  
  Poster sessions are a dedicated expo of PyCon community members sharing their work in the format of a large graphic poster presentation. Presenters are on hand to describe and discuss their discoveries, creations, and projects with the PyCon attendees.
- Expo Hall
  
  Meet with representatives of companies using Python, supporting Python, and hiring Pythonistas. Snag some swag! Many sponsors will be recruiting, so come prepared with business cards and resumes if you're in the job market.
- And don't forget the hallway track!
Development Sprints: Monday March 18 through Thursday March 21.
- Help advance your favorite project, including Python itself! We provide the space and the infrastructure (network, power, tables & chairs), you provide the enthusiasm and the brainpower. All experience levels welcome. The sprints are free!
  More information on the Sprints page.
Summits:

In addition, there are two invitation-only summits scheduled during the tutorials which will bring developers of the various implementations together to discuss technology and strategies: the Python Language Summit and the Python in Education Summit.